FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Michigan to Florida?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,216 – $4,638 | $903 – $2,376 | $871 – $1,651 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,851 – $6,473 | $1,629 – $3,463 | $853 – $1,813 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,141 – $8,824 | $2,191 – $4,612 | $1,118 – $2,191 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,216 – $4,638
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,851 – $6,473
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,141 – $8,824
How much do moving containers cost from Michigan to Florida?
- Small move: $903 – $2,376
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,629 – $3,463
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,191 – $4,612
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $871 – $1,651
- 2–3 bedrooms: $853 – $1,813
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,118 – $2,191
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,408-mile move from MI to FL using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 16, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from MI to FL?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Michigan | Florida | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,037 | $1,444 |
| Average home cost | $245,716 | $392,176 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,505 | $67,917 |
| Cost of living index | 92 | 102 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | 6.0% | 7.08% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Florida?
Rent is about 39% higher in Florida than in Michigan.
Avg rent: $1,037 vs. $1,444
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 60% higher in Florida than in Michigan.
Avg home value: $245,716 vs. $392,176
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average incomes are about the same in Michigan and Florida.
Avg income (per capita): $68,505 vs. $67,917
Is the overall cost of living higher in Florida?
The cost of living is 11% higher in Florida than in Michigan.
Cost of living index: 92 vs. 102
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 18% higher in Florida than in Michigan.
Avg sales tax: 6.0% vs. 7.08%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Florida has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to Michigan.
State income tax: 4.25% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Florida compared to Michigan?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| Florida | Michigan | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 22,610,726 | 10,037,261 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-48 | Republican 49.7-48.3 |
| Summer high | 91ºF | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 49ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 55″ | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 64″ |
| Crime index | 21.39 | 19.98 |
Will Florida feel more crowded than Michigan?
Florida is about 125% more populous than Michigan — which can mean more infrastructure and amenities.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Michigan and Florida voted Republican.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Florida is hotter on average (91°F vs. 81°F).
Winter: Florida is milder on average (49°F vs. 14°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Florida?
Rain: Florida gets more rain (55″ vs. 34″).
Snow: Florida gets no snow, while Michigan gets about 64 inches per year.
Is Florida safer than Michigan?
Florida has a higher crime index than Michigan (21.39 vs. 19.98). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do in Florida?
Museums in Florida
- Wynwood Halls
- The Ringling
- Edison and Ford Winter Estates
- The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum
- The Dali Museum
Parks in Florida
- Dry Tortugas National Park
- Everglades National Park
- De Soto National Memorial
- Fort Matanzas National Monument
- Ocala National Forest
Sports teams in Florida
- Miami Heat (NBA)
- Orlando Magic (NBA)
- Miami Marlins (MLB)
- Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)
- Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL)
Universities in Florida
- University of Florida
- Florida State University
- University of South Florida
- University of Central Florida
- Florida International University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Michigan to Florida move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Florida moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Florida, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Florida without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Florida?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Florida?
Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Florida moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Florida?
You won’t need a moving permit in Florida, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
Some movers in Michigan offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 6 military discounts; 7 senior discounts; 1 student discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Helpful moving resources
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